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Compiled by the Street Journey Alberta group
Final up to date on March 18, 2025
A hike that’s round 8 km and with a spot that sells chilly brews once we’re completed is our thought of an ideal hike. That’s why we love mountain climbing to the Lake Agnes Tea Home in Banff Nationwide Park at any time when we now have the possibility. The secret is getting there early so we will beat the crowds and have Lake Agnes virtually to ourselves once we get to the highest. The views are beautiful irrespective of once we’ve completed it and resting on the shores of Lake Louise afterward with a chilly one in hand is the easiest way to cap off the day.
Right here’s all the pieces that you must know in regards to the Lake Agnes Tea Home hike.
Lake Agnes Tea Home Historical past
Lake Agnes was named after the primary First Woman of Canada, Woman Agnes MacDonald, who was the spouse of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John Alexander MacDonald. Woman MacDonald visited Lake Agnes in 1886 and was astounded by the lake, the hanging valley it sits in, and the encircling mountains. The tea home is usually known as the Banff Tea Home or the Lake Louise Tea Home.
The Lake Agnes Tea Home was initially inbuilt 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. Whereas it started as a refuge for hikers, the constructing began serving tea in 1905. The unique log constructing had to get replaced in 1981, however the tea home nonetheless options its unique home windows, tables, and chairs.
The whole lot You Have to Know In regards to the Lake Agnes Tea Home Path
Path Data
What You’ll See: The Lake Agnes path takes you to a scenic hanging valley and gives beautiful views of Lake Louise, Mirror Lake, Agnes Lake, and the encircling Rocky Mountains. There’s additionally a well-liked tea home on the path (therefore the title of the hike).
Trailhead: Discovered at Lake Louise close to the Fairmont Chateau. There are a number of trailheads on this space, however the Lake Agnes Tea Home path is well-marked alongside the way in which.
Hike Distance: The path to the teahouse is 7.4 kilometres (4.6 miles). You can even add hikes to Little Beehive or Massive Beehive for those who’re up for the problem (extra on that under).
Elevation Achieve: 426 metres (1,400 toes)
Issue Degree: Simple to Average. The path is easy and broad, and the elevation climbs regularly. There’s nothing technical to get to the teahouse.
Path sort: Out and again
Time: Roughly two to 4 hours, relying on stops and detours
Learn how to Get There
The Lake Agnes Tea Home trailhead is pretty straightforward to seek out in Lake Louise. As talked about above, there are a number of trailheads that begin from the identical Lake Louise car parking zone, however the Lake Agnes path is well-marked alongside the way in which. As it’s such a busy path, you’re positive to come across many different hikers who will help you discover your method if mandatory.
One of many tough points of attending to the Lake Agnes Tea Home is the Lake Louise car parking zone. Parking heaps are sometimes full earlier than dawn and stay full till after sundown; in different phrases, you must get there extraordinarily early to get a spot. It’s paid parking, even if in case you have a sound Nationwide Parks Go, and there are fee machines all through the car parking zone. If site visitors turns into too congested, drop-offs should not allowed.
Our suggestion? Don’t take your automobile in any respect! Keep away from the effort of parking by taking one of many many Parks Canada shuttles or Roam Public Transit. It’s extremely really helpful that you simply reserve your ticket upfront.
How Lengthy Does the Lake Agnes Tea Home Path Take?
With out many stops and with out spending a lot time on the tea home itself, the Lake Agnes Tea Home Path takes roughly two to a few hours out and again. That being mentioned, most individuals spend longer on this path, stopping on the tea home and alongside the way in which for the unbelievable views.
We suggest planning for 4 hours or a half-day on this hike. In fact, if you wish to add on the Little Beehive Path or the Massive Beehive Path, that may add time to your journey. Extra on that under!
When is the Greatest Time to Hike?
The Lake Agnes Tea Home hike is likely one of the hottest hikes in Banff Nationwide Park, so you may anticipate a really crowded path in peak season. The tea home is open from early June till Canadian Thanksgiving yearly; after that, the Lake Agnes path turns into an avalanche hazard, so it’s not really helpful to hike between mid-October and June. Our favorite time on this path is in mid-September to early October, because the path tends to have fewer folks and you can begin to see among the stunning fall foliage.
You should definitely arrive early! It is suggested that you simply get to the car parking zone/trailhead as early as attainable to keep away from crowds. The tea home opens at 8 a.m., so those that are actually eager to keep away from crowds ought to begin mountain climbing at dawn. Equally, because the tea home closes at 5 p.m., you can hike within the later afternoon (though it is suggested to be again in Lake Louise for sundown, as mountain climbing in the dead of night may be harmful).
Professional tip: consider visiting very early within the morning or late within the afternoon to keep away from crowds. The tea home itself can have a really lengthy line by noon, each for concessions and for the outhouses.
Lake Agnes Tea Home Opening Hours and Data
One of many important causes the Lake Agnes hike is so common in Banff Nationwide Park is due to the spectacular view, however the tea home itself can be an enormous draw! Serving clients for over 100 years, the tea home serves baked items, lunch gadgets, and – you guessed it – tea (heaps and plenty of tea). In truth, there are greater than 100 forms of loose-leaf tea on the menu! Contemporary elements are introduced in from Calgary and carried up the mountain by workers virtually each day, whereas dry items are flown in by helicopter every year.
The Lake Agnes Tea Home is open seasonally, sometimes from early June till Canadian Thanksgiving. In 2024, it’s open each day from June 4th till October tenth. Its working hours are 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.
The tea home solely accepts money (each Canadian and US) or traveller’s cheques. Deliver roughly $30 CAD per individual for those who plan on consuming lunch.
There are outhouses on the tea home, however be ready for an extended line if it’s busy (which it usually is!).
What to Count on
There’s a cause this path is likely one of the hottest Lake Louise hikes! With views of the idyllic lakes, the spruce forest, and the majestic mountains, the Lake Agnes Tea Home hike is bound to be a memorable one. It’s positively one of many greatest issues to do in Lake Louise and an enormous cause many individuals go to the realm.
Ranging from the trailhead, you’ll stroll alongside the Lake Louise shoreline. That is the beginning of many trails within the space, so that you’ll see quite a lot of hikers alongside the way in which. There are literally two methods to get to the Lake Agnes Tea Home from right here, however we suggest taking the path to Lake Agnes and Mirror Lake. We imagine the views are a bit higher alongside this route, to not point out it’s a extra gradual climb!
The climb itself is on a large path with a number of switchbacks. As you cross by means of a spruce forest, you’ll quickly see Mirror Lake with views of Massive Beehive within the background. From there, proceed following indicators to Lake Agnes. Once more, you’ll have two choices from Mirror Lake as much as Lake Agnes, however we suggest the path to the suitable; the route has beautiful surroundings, together with a small waterfall, and it additionally gives entry to the Little Beehive path.
When you don’t select to take one of many detours to Little Beehive or Massive Beehive, you’ll quickly attain the famed Lake Agnes Tea Home, the place you may cease for a snack or lunch. Keep in mind: by mid-day, there will likely be a really lengthy lineup, so plan accordingly! For this reason we advise mountain climbing as early as attainable.
Whereas within the space, take a look at the lake itself. Lake Anges is an alpine lake set inside a cirque shaped by the peaks of Mount St. Piran, Mount Niblock, and Mount Whyte, and it makes for a fully breathtaking view.
To move again all the way down to Lake Louise, we suggest taking the shorter path throughout the bridge from the Lake Agnes Tea Home and down the staircase. You’ll get some nice views of the waterfall and Little Beehive alongside the way in which.
Professional-tip: if in case you have the power, contemplate including the Beehive Circuit of Little Beehive and Massive Beehive! They supply unbelievable vistas of the realm.
Little Beehive Path
The Little Beehive is a 2-kilometer round-trip detour from the Lake Agnes Tea Home path and is rated straightforward to average. You’ll discover the path to the suitable from Mirror Lake, and it’s a wonderful addition to your hike! It has notably good views of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Massive Beehive Path
The Massive Beehive path may be discovered to the suitable of Lake Agnes from the tea home. When you embrace the Lake Agnes Tea Home path, the Massive Beehive hike is a ten.5 km journey, however avid hikers will love the problem (and the views!). The path as much as Massive Beehive has some steep however manageable switchbacks, with the final section to Massive Beehive being essentially the most difficult. There are superb views of the lake on the high!
What to Deliver
Most hikers doubtless have already got these things, but it surely’s essential to recollect to convey:
- Snug, sturdy mountain climbing boots. Be sure you have already worn these in, as no one needs brand-new boots (and brand-new blisters) on the paths!
- Mountaineering poles aren’t mandatory on the Agnes Lake Tea Home path, but it surely’s as much as you for those who choose utilizing them (we do!)
- Snug mountain climbing clothes. We suggest layers that you could peel off on a sizzling day or add on a cool day. The climate can change immediately within the Canadian Rockies!
- Money. The tea home solely accepts Canadian and US money, or travellers cheques. We suggest bringing round $30 CAD per individual for those who plan on consuming lunch.
- Solar safety, together with a hat and sunscreen.
- Water – numerous it!
- A number of gentle snacks for alongside the way in which.
- Bear spray (and be certain you know the way to make use of it)
- A primary support equipment with loads of bandages for these pesky blisters and minor scrapes or cuts.
- A cellphone with GPS or a map and compass. The path is signposted and there are often loads of folks on the hike, but it surely’s all the time greatest to be ready simply in case. That is particularly essential for those who determine to hike on to the Massive Beehive hike.
Security and Precautions
Keep in mind: Banff Nationwide Park is bear nation! All the time take bear security significantly, which incorporates mountain climbing in teams. It’s possible you’ll need to contemplate carrying bear spray with you.
As with all hikes, guarantee that you’ve got adequate water, snacks, solar safety, and a primary support equipment. The Lake Agnes Tea Home Path can get highly regarded in summer season.
Last Suggestions and Recommendation for the Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike
Although it is a very fashionable hike close to Lake Louise, it’s essential to all the time examine the park’s web site for up-to-date info on path situations, climate, and any mandatory permits. Planning forward is important, even for those who’re aware of the hike!
Whereas older youngsters usually hike the path, it’s best to convey a toddler provider for youthful children.
Canines are additionally allowed on the path however should be leashed always.
Lastly, bear in mind that you will want a Parks Canada Discovery Go if you’re going to be stopping in Banff Nationwide Park. As an added bonus, it gives you entry to all of Canada’s nationwide parks.
Staying in Lake Louise
There are a number of campgrounds in Lake Louise in addition to many lodging in Banff. If you’re wanting to remain in Lake Louise listed below are a few motels we suggest.
Put up Lodge and Spa ($$$$) – This beautiful lodge is a mere 300 metres away from the Lake Louise centre. It’s a splurge to remain right here, however the spa after an extended day of mountain climbing is price. Deal with your self! Test Availability
Lake Louise Inn ($$) – Clear and spacious rooms plus a heated indoor pool and hot-tubs make this a very fashionable spot to remain at. Test Availability
Baker Creek by Basecamp ($$$) – Though it’s 11 kilometres away from Lake Louise, a keep at Baker Creek is price it. You’ll be surrounded by solitude within the coronary heart of Banff Nationwide Park. The spacious chalets are totally outfitted with kitchens or kitchenettes so that you by no means have to depart! Test Availability
Pete is a co-founder of Street Journey Alberta. Rising up in Edmonton he has an in depth information of Alberta and all the pieces the province has to supply. He likes to eat good meals, hike (particularly within the winter), play tennis and curl. Aside from working Street Journey Alberta, he’s a director with HMI, a digital media company, half of the Hecktic Travels duo, and a co-creator of the favored card recreation Journey Chaser.
